Atlético Madrid and Arsenal drew 1-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Wednesday at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid.
The Spanish side hosted the English Premier League team in a tightly contested encounter that keeps the tie level heading into the second leg. Both goals came from penalties as the teams battled for a place in the final.
Julián Álvarez, the Argentine striker, scored for Atlético Madrid from the penalty spot in the 56th minute after a handball decision. Viktor Gyökeres, the Swedish forward, netted for Arsenal from the penalty in the 44th minute. The match saw Arsenal take a first-half lead through clinical finishing before Atlético responded strongly in the second half, resulting in an even contest with limited open play chances.
Both teams entered the semi-final in strong form, with Atlético Madrid advancing past their quarter-final opponents and Arsenal maintaining a solid defensive record in the competition. The draw leaves the aggregate score level with no away goals advantage applying under current rules, setting up a decisive return fixture.
Arsenal would host Atlético Madrid in the second leg on Tuesday, May 5 at the Emirates Stadium.